Discussions

Discussions help to refine both our understanding and practice, that are considered and discussed from the diversity of the participants' viewpoints. We study independently but we learn mostly from sharing and comparing our viewpoints. Each discussion is held on the last Sunday of the month starting at 2 pm, usually in the large zendo. The next topic is selected at the conclusion of each meeting, from the nexus of Science and Buddhism as it applies to us, and to all sentient beings. No prior experience with science, Buddhism, or meditation is necessary.

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Wellness 2019

Our theme for 2019 is Wellness, considering the investigations, conflicts, and consensus trends emerging from the intersections of Science and Buddhism. Each last Sunday at 11:45 am Jikoji’s Dharma Talk (part of Jikoji's regular Sunday Program), generally addresses a Wellness sub-topic from the perspective of Buddhist teachings, and Zen, while the 2pm SB Discussion addresses the same topic but from the perspectives of science. Wellness as optimization of potential is intriguing from the perspectives of both dharma (e.g., morality, happiness, perfections, awakening, enlightenment) and science (e.g., absence of illnesses and ailments, positive psychology, sociology, political science, ecology and environment).

The Jan 27 discussion addressed Robert Wright's book “Why Buddhism is True: The Science and Philosophy of Meditation and Enlightenment". The perspective is of factual, psychological and behavioral aspects of Buddhism, rather than teleological or theological issues such as reincarnation and the supernatural. “Science is Catching up to the Buddha" offers a quick summary of 17 of Wright’s key ideas. See also the recent NYTimes articles: What Science Can Learn from Religion, Feb 1 2019, and You Should Meditate Every Day, Jan 16. ______________________________

Social Psychology 2018

November’s Science & Buddhism discussion was on Altered Traits, and States, the science of the behavioral, psychological and neurological changes resulting from meditation-related practices. Jen Hohman led our discussion, highlighting recent books including, Goleman and Davidson’s Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body; and Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence.

Our October S&B discussion was on consciousness and Near-Death Experiences (NDE.) The near-death experience is a reported phenomenon occurring in clinically "dead" conditions from which the patient recovers. They can have some stereotypic features, such as seeing "light" and "divine beings." Are NDEs real, or the echo of a nervous system shutting down? Gary Heit, Ph.D., M.D., Chief Scientist at Vorso Corporation, led our discussion.

The Science & Buddhism Discussion in September, Sleep and Unconsciousness, investigated the connections between sleep and pain, and why sleep is vitally important. Lack of sleep is epidemic in the US and a leading correlate with incidence of most major diseases. We also looked at sleep in relation to meditation and Zen.

On April 29, Jikoji's Eric Remington looked at the relationship between Meditation and Nature, and read passages from his new book of poetry, "The Soft Rain of Solitude: How a Field Biologist Works."

Our March 25 discussion was led by Ross Smith, who looked at the first several chapters of Jonathan Haidt's "Happiness Hypothesis."

The January 28 meeting was a discussion of Social Psychology led by Lance Hilt and Saeko Ginestet. This discussion began our 2018 explorations of the social sciences and of rational inquiry.S

Brain and Mind, 2017

A variety of recent books, articles and talks focus on how the brain gives rise to the human mind, as well as the nature and characteristics of both mind and brain. The questions of transcendence and naturalism provide welcome background, but Discussions focus on promoting health and well-being through understanding the science of our lives and of other living beings, and through refining our practice of Zen Buddhism.